Fifth Grade Curriculum Night

1. Fifth Grade Curriculum Night Welcome Parents to the 2011-2012 Curriculum Night

2. Meet the Fifth Grade Teachers: • Jamie Buzan – buzanj@friscoisd.org 469-633-2021 • Allison Fowler – fowlera@friscoisd.org 469-633-2023 • Brad Goss – gossb@friscoisd.org 469-633-2020 • Jennifer Krueger – kruegerj@friscoisd.org 469-633-2018 • Leslie Schepers – scheperl@friscoisd.org 469-633-2022 • Wendy Stelly – stellyw@friscoisd.org 469-633-2019

3. Newsletter on the webpage • Our weekly newsletter is available on the fifth grade website. • If you have not done so yet, please complete the form to let us know if you plan to check online, or if you prefer a hardcopy. • The newsletter website address is: http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/FifthRogers/

4. Homework Policy • If an assignment is not turned in on time, the student may receive extra time to complete it during lunch and/or recess. • Late Work penalties: • 1 day late - 10 points • 2 days late – 20 points • 3 days late – 30 points • After three days, a zero may be given for the assignment.

5. Sky Ranch • We will be attending Sky Ranch camp this year. This is an overnight trip of 3 days and 2 nights. Camp dates are Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2011. • The cost is approximately $190.00. • There is a sign up sheet for parents interested in chaperoning the trip. • An information meeting will be held October 4, 2011 6:30-7:30 pm in the library.

6. Reading • Students will learn how to infer meaning and find information in what they’re reading. • We will use reading text books, library books, guided reading books, and novels. • Reading skills will be used in social studies, science and math as well. • Projects and reports will be assigned periodically.

7. Reading • Learning will be differentiated by using leveled books, small groups, and enrichment activities during Reader’s Workshop. • The Reading STAAR test will be on March 28, 2012. • Practice makes perfect: Students should read at home every night for at least 15-20 minutes.

8. Social Studies • We will cover nine units beginning with migration to the Americas, colonial life, and the Revolutionary War. • We will learn about how our system of government was formed, the westward movement, and the Civil War. • Finally, we will touch on industry, immigration, and the struggle for equal rights. • Unfinished class work will be homework. • Students will apply reading and math skills as part of social studies lessons.

9. Language Arts • We are taking students to the next level with what they already know. • We take students through the writing process that they are already familiar with during Writer’s Workshop. • We review sentence structure and rules for capitalization and punctuation. • We study nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, adverbs, prepositions, and interjections. • All concepts are utilized in students’ writing across all subject areas. • Students may have points taken off for not following rules of conventions in writing in all subjects.

10. Spelling • The weekly spelling list can be found on the fifth grade website on the left hand tabs. • Students will receive a new list every Monday. • The list will have 12 words plus 5 bonus words. • The first words on the list are high frequency/commonly confused/frequently misspelled words. • The next words will be made with Latin or Greek origins. • The list will also have words that follow a spelling rule. • We will do various word work activities throughout the week. • Students will be tested on Friday. • Extra points are given for bonus words. • No points will be deducted if bonus words are misspelled.

11. Math Concepts Covered This Year: Place Value/Rounding and Estimating Algebraic Thinking/Number Sentences Multiplication/Division Factoring/Multiples/Prime/Composite Fractions/Decimals Measurement/Measurement Conversions Geometry Problem Solving

12. Math • Math classes will have flexible groups to ensure that we are providing a challenge to those who need it, as well as small group instruction for those who will benefit from more help. • We will use hands-on manipulatives, online games, and small group activities to meet the learning needs and styles of all students. • Reteaching and enrichment will be utilized on a daily basis.

13. Math Assessments • Formative assessments will be conducted regularly in order to see where we are and where we need to go. • CBAs will be used to assist in formative assessments and will be taken for a grade. • We will have periodical quizzes for summative assessment. • The Math STAAR will be on March 26, 2012.

14. Success in Math • Math homework will reinforce concepts previously taught. Students will be successful in math if they do their assigned math homework. • Students need to know their multiplication and division facts, 0-12. Please work with your child on a regular basis to practice. • Homework and class work will be used to determine what additional help we can give your child. • Grades will come from classwork, summative assessments and CBAs.

15. Science • Fifth grade science is a review of K-5 concepts on a deeper level. • We cover Earth Science, Physical Science and Life Science. • We present science content to meet all learning styles through hands-on experiments, classroom demonstration, videos, textbooks, reading literature, vocabulary work, online activities and websites.

16. Success In Science • Students will have periodic homework to reinforce concepts already taught. • Formative assessments will help us know where students are and where we need to go. • CBAs will be used as formative assessments and as grades. • Summative assessments will be used for a grade at the completion of lessons. • Journal entries will be graded. • The Science STAAR will be on April 26, 2012.

17. STAAR Testing – 5th • What is it? • State Test to enhance Rigor for students & get them “College Ready” • Timed Test (4 hours) – Just like SAT/ACT • Assesses previous grade level objectives to current grade (K-5th) • Reading STAAR- emphasizes critical analysis & less literal understanding • Math STAAR- Problem solving skills • Science STAAR- Earth Science; Force & Energy; Environment & Organisms • No School ratings this year; standards set Fall 2012 • Math (March 27), Reading (March 28) & Science (April 26) • No visitors FISD Google Site: https://sites.google.com/a/friscoisd.org/staar/home • FAQ, Overview, Updated periodically by FISD

18. Let’s Have a Wonderful Year • Please check your child’s planner regularly for assignments and announcements. It should be written in daily. • Please check Thursday folders for graded work, as well as communication from PTA and the school. • Please communicate questions and concerns with your child’s teacher. • We are so excited to have the opportunity to teach your child!!!!